Noel Whelan ‘Garry Monk is a little bit more successful right now than Rafa Benitez’

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Like everybody else associated with Leeds United, Noel Whelan can’t wait for the visit of Newcastle United next weekend.

The former Leeds star turned pundit, thinks that Garry Monk ‘has probably done a better job’ than Rafa Benitez in the Championship this season.

Whelan believes that the Leeds boss deserves more credit because of the relative resources available to the two managers, despite Rafa Benitez and his team currently holding an 11 point lead over their Yorkshire rivals.

Noel Whelan adding that Garry Monk ‘is a little bit more successful right now than Benitez’.

Sunday’s match could see major changes for both sides in midfield, Leeds are already missing Liam Bridcutt who is recovering from a fracture in his foot, whilst Eunan O’Kane was sent home from international duty after picking up an injury which is currently being assessed.

However, as Aston Villa have shown this season, despite spending a similar amount to Newcastle in the summer, that doesn’t automatically lead to success on the pitch.

Rafa took over a right mess at St James Park and whatever credit Garry Monk deserves for dealing with the circus at Elland Road, Rafa Benitez has still done a remarkable job at Newcastle United.

Noel Whelan speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post:

“Newcastle are on fire at the moment, Rafa Benitez seems to have got them firing on all cylinders and he is getting them adjusted to the Championship now and the way of playing and they are seeing the benefits from that.

“But in saying that, they have got international players in their ranks and you would expect Newcastle to be up there.

“With Leeds, I would say Garry Monk has probably done a better job because it’s difficult when you are on a budget and you have got to bring players in and you don’t have money available.

“So really, the job that Garry has done, is probably a little bit harder and he is a little bit more successful right now than Benitez.

“If O’Kane and Liam Bridcutt are both going to be missing against Newcastle then it’s going to be difficult, isn’t it? They have got a lot of experience in their team at Newcastle.

“But in saying that, I would put my trust in the Leeds United players, whether that’s the squad or the XI in general because we saw against Norwich that it’s not just about the XI – it’s about the whole squad and everybody contributing, such as the substitutes when they came on.

“If so, then they have got another opportunity against Newcastle to shine and show the manager why they should be in that starting XI.

“If somebody is injured then that’s your big opportunity and whoever steps in – if O’Kane is injured – will be going out there to show the manager that he wants to keep that spot. It could mean Ronaldo Vieira starting alongside Kalvin Phillips.”

About the author

Jackie Smithfield

Staff Writer - Doing my best to deliver news and views on Newcastle United, never quite recovered from the trauma of the ‘so close’ 1995/96 season.